Dinner

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

ByLily Cross February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

Introduction

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a comforting, hands-off meal that combines all your favorite pizza flavors into one easy dish. Perfect for busy days, it’s cheesy, savory, and sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with baked pasta layered with slices of pepperoni, melted cheese, and red tomato pieces. The pasta is curled and coated in a rich, orange-red sauce, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned, melting over the pepperoni and pasta. The pepperoni is scattered on top, crispy on the edges, with some pieces partially covered by the cheese. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
20 slices turkey pepperoni
Optional: 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir halfway through cooking and check the pasta for doneness.
Step 5: When the pasta is tender and cooked through, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices. Cover again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, add sliced black olives or mushrooms during step 2 for more flavor and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Fresh garlic or Italian herbs can be used instead of garlic powder and Italian seasoning for a fresher taste.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.

Storage

Store leftover pizza pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with baked pasta layered with melted cheese, golden-brown browned spots on top, multiple slices of cooked pepperoni scattered evenly across, visible orange-red tomato sauce peeking through the pasta curls, and sprinkled finely chopped herbs on top. The pasta has a slightly glossy texture from the sauce, and the cheese looks gooey and stringy. The dish has a warm and inviting appearance, sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shape like penne or shells works well, but cooking times may vary slightly in the crockpot.

Is it necessary to brown the ground beef first?

Browning the beef adds flavor and helps reduce excess fat, but if you’re short on time, you can add raw ground beef directly to the crockpot—just ensure it cooks thoroughly.